sticker wall
Question????
posted in: blue bomber garage, news on July 30, 2010 at 05:55 PM
I’ve got a little dilemma with a water pump. The engine in this little 54 Ford is actually an 84 351 Windsor and the water pump blew out. I got a quick and cheap replacement from Autozone to slap on there until I really decide to throw some serious cash down on the car. The one I got doesn’t allow the bolt studs to properly seat in the right way. I have two bolt that are about 1/8in too long and one bolt hole that has nothing in it since none of the bolts are long enough to grab the threads. Has anyone else ever had this problem with a Ford engine?
Comments
Wild Bill's Garage
July 30, 2010 at 06:15 PM
nope….that’s why I’m a chevy guy :-)
The situation does sound a bit odd though…good luck with it…you have asked that question in the right place….lot’s of very wise and learned car-guys/gurus here.
I do have to say that the choice of AutoZone for any moving part is a gamble at best. I shop there for oil and filters, even gaskets…but if it is a part that has moving parts or anything electrical…I recommend almost anybody else.
Are you sure the part is the right one for the motor you have? I’m telling you…AutoZone is a gamble…...you may want try another parts house and see if the pump they give you has the same issues….
Blue Bomber Garage
July 30, 2010 at 11:33 PM
I would love to say that the part is the exact one that I need but with this current problem I’m going to just have to say that the jury is still out.
As for Autozone being a gamble, you are about the seventh person in two days to tell me that so I guess from now on I should just use NAPA or O’rielly. I’ve also been told to find a local place with the most crusty guy that only uses books for all my major parts purchases. I’d say that the lesson has been learn and I will never make this mistake again. The good new is that the water pump was on $26 vs. $230.
Creative Car Art Garage
July 31, 2010 at 01:37 PM
comparing the old on to the new one, do they look the same?
If not then I would take the old one back with you to Autozone. Ask them if they can look the pump up by casting number.
Blue Bomber Garage
July 31, 2010 at 01:43 PM
I did that initially and they were unable to look up anything past the fact that it was a Ford water pump. I think Autozone is really just a piece of crap store and I may just drive 20 miles further to never go there again.
tinkerbug Garage
July 31, 2010 at 08:14 PM
Auto zone and Advance auto arent the brightest light bulbs. Ive had both them tell me a part for a certain car didnt exsist. Took them by the hand out to the car to show them. They tried to tell me it wasnt orginal. Went to Napa and proved them wrong
Blue Bomber Garage
July 31, 2010 at 11:28 PM
Nice job, I just went to NAPA and they told me that things won’t match up when I took the old water pump to them because it was a performance water pump and the one that Autozone gave me was just a regular one. So maybe I’ve solved the “why” things won’t match up and now I just need to get the bolt studs that will fit the one that I have now. Later I will buy the Edelbrock performance pump that is correct but for now I will save the cash.
Phil's Place Garage
August 01, 2010 at 08:48 AM
Sounds like you have got it all sorted out. Bottom line – stay away from AutoZone if you are looking for anything important!!
